Ike Grows into Category 4 Hurricane

In the span of a day yesterday Tropical Storm Ike became Hurricane Ike, strengthening rapidly into a dangerous Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph. The storm presently is about 550 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands and moving west-northwest at about 17 mph. Forecasters cannot yet predict whether the storm will affect any land areas of the Caribbean, but I will be keeping a close eye on the progress of this storm. Some models show the storm veering south toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by Sunday.

Meanwhile, the large Tropical Storm Hanna is finally on the move after loitering for days around the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been posted along the southeastern coast of the U.S., and tropical storm warnings are still in effect in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

Damage caused by Hanna has forced the Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos to close until Sept. 26 for repairs, and the storm also has damaged the causeway linking North and Middle Caicos. In the Bahamas, hotels and the airports remain open, but some cancellations and early departures by guests have been reported. Cruise lines also cancelled port calls at Nassau.

Finally, Tropical Storm Josephine has gained some strength as it moves west across the Atlantic, but still poses no immediate threat to the Caribbean.

More Info on Caribbean Weather and Travel

National Hurricane Center